On Monday, Ohio Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, made a notable visit to Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia while campaigning in the city. His visit came after a speech at a waste management facility and drew attention due to his unusual inquiry about the restaurant’s choice of cheese. Vance questioned why Pat’s, known for its iconic steak sandwiches, did not include Swiss cheese, which is not offered at either Pat’s or its rival Geno’s Steaks.
Vance’s query seemed to catch the Pat’s staff off guard. When he asked why Swiss cheese was not an option, a Pat’s employee explained that the establishment typically uses Cheez Whiz, not Swiss. The manager, Sammy Garcia, later found the interaction amusing and noted that despite the odd question, Vance left a generous tip.
JD Vance
The incident might have reminded some locals of a similar gaffe from 2003 when then-Senator John Kerry ordered a cheesesteak with Swiss cheese during a campaign visit to Pat’s. Kerry’s choice was seen as a significant faux pas by Philadelphia residents, who consider Swiss cheese an unacceptable choice for an authentic cheesesteak. Food critic Craig LaBan commented on the blunder, suggesting that Kerry’s request was as out of place as asking for a fancy cheese.
The mishap with Kerry, however, did not deter Pat’s from considering a special Swiss cheese option as a gesture towards the senator, though it was contingent on Kerry’s election outcome. Despite Kerry’s loss in the presidential race, he did secure Pennsylvania in the 2004 election.
Vance’s visit to Pat’s, while drawing some skepticism, seems to have been met with a light-hearted response from the staff, continuing the tradition of campaign visits to this iconic Philly eatery.
